Treasure Valley Chapter – Facebook Page
New Year Greetings to Squaw Butte BCHI Members,
The 2020 BOD Meeting and Convention information and registration form is on the BCHI website on the Activities’ page http://www.bchi.org/activities.htm. Please open it and read through it. There are substantial savings for registering early, rather than later, because we want members who have never attended to join us for the convention: $70 for person and only $120 per couple. Early registrations will be postmarked before March 1st. We are also offering substantial discounts for young attendees, whether members or not, at only $20 per ticket for the dinner/convention. And, we are selling dinner tickets for adults who wish to attend the social hour, dinner, and live auction, only, at $25.
All delegates must pay the full convention registration fee if they are voting delegates, and all BCHI members who attend the convention for the day, regardless if they vote, must pay the full–$70 single, $120 couple (early fees) or $85 per person (after Feb. 29)–registration fee.
We have placed the option of paying only $25 for dinner as a courtesy in the case someone’s travel partner or friend wants to attend dinner. A $25 dinner ticket holder will be allowed in the building at 5:00pm.
We have different fees to allow for flexibility, in the hope that more members will attend. We want all to take advantage of the savings without taking advantage of us and the costs of putting on the convention. (And, though not explained in the website info, part of the fees go to pay for Friday’s meetings.
We have placed a little information about motels and eateries on the site as well. Please note that to get a room at the Best Western Plus Peppertree across the parking lot from the Nampa Civic Center, the venue for the convention, you must click into the Best Western Motel Reservation URL, Best Western Motel Reservation URL ; scroll down to see Backcountry Horsemen discount prices. I believe that the Best Western would only reserve 20 rooms for this function, so log in early. For those who cannot use a computer, we are reserved under Backcountry Horsemen under Group ID #Z81XT6F7.
Please take the time to read through the information on the BCHI website, which may change, slightly, as we near the events. We have three great presentations on Saturday from Madison Seamons (stock care–very entertaining), Cheryl Bice (emergency care), and Alayne Blickel (managing your horse pasture/corral areas)…so get on board and get your registrations in early.
Alice Millington
Treasure Valley BCHI President
McCall, ID
millington0606@gmail.com
208-475-4107
Every member of a volunteer trail crew who operates a chainsaw or crosscut on public land need to complete USFS sawyer training. This is the same training that USFS seasonal employees are required to complete and is designed to keep the crews safe. In years past this training was only available directly from the USFS, but due to the 2016 Saw Policy revision FSM 2358.05 it is now possible for organizations like Back Country Horsemen members with proper training and endorsements to train Trail Volunteers.
The 2016 National Saw Policy applies to all activities on National Forest System lands (NFS) that involve the use of saws, unless a separate interagency agreement covers that activity. The Forest Service Saw Program provides direction on qualifications, training, evaluation, and certification requirements for Forest Service employees, volunteers, Training Consultants, and cooperators using saws on NFS lands.
A Sawyer. An apprentice sawyer who may saw only in the least complex situations or, for training purposes, at the next higher level and in either case only under the immediate supervision of a B or C Sawyer qualified to supervise the work.
B Sawyer ̶ Bucking Only An intermediate Sawyer who may independently buck and limb any size material in moderately complex situations within the restrictions noted on the sawyer’s National Sawyer Certification Card and who may saw at the next higher level, but only under the immediate supervision of a sawyer qualified to supervise the work.
C Sawyer ̶ Bucking Only An advanced sawyer who may independently buck and limb any size material in highly complex situations based on the Regional Saw Program Manager’s or Saw Program Coordinator’s written recommendation, which must be supported by demonstrated advanced saw knowledge and skills and, in most cases, certification as a B Sawyer (FSM 2358.1, ex. 02); who may conduct classroom and field training within their skill level for A and B Sawyers; and who may conduct field proficiency evaluations within their skill level for A Sawyers and B Sawyers ̶ Bucking Only
Back Country Horsemen of Idaho has a number of members who have completed the required training, have the experience and required endorsements and have been conducting classes working in partnership with the USFS in region 1 and 4.
Certification need to be renewed every three years, so if your certification card has expired or doesn’t look like this, you need to attend a sawyer workshop in 2020. Contact one of the Sawyer instructors listed above to learn about a training opportunity near by.
Link to Website
For Back Country Horsemen of Oregon Demonstrations BCHA Demonstrations
Randy Rasmussen, BCHA Partnering for Generational Stewardship of Wilderness
2019 is coming to a close. Thank you for your membership and dedication to BCHA.
We understand this is a busy time of year. You can exponentially impact our efforts by fundraising on behalf of BCHA. Create a Facebook fundraiser, refer a friend, gift a membership; becoming a fundraiser ensures we can continue reaching others and enabling great work like this to continue.
Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting our efforts of keeping trails open for you.
Check out the BCH Work Party Video from Umatilla, WA
http://www.bcha.org/home-mem/
http://www.bcha.org/education/
US Forest Service Trail Fundamentals
As a BCHA member who communicates to the Forest Service on public trail issues should be familiar with the trail fundamentals that include five key concepts that are cornerstones of Forest Service trail maintenance and management, Trail Type, Trail Class, Managed Use, Designed Use, and Trail Design Parameters.
This training was given to BCH members at a previous national convention, it is available for download.
Introduction to Trail Classifications, Download – PDF, and PDF1
Part 1 –Why we need to be Concerned, Download – PDF, or PPT Presentation
Part 2 – Understanding Trail Fundamentals, Download – PDF, or PPT Presentation
Part 3 – Approaches for Obtaining and Validating Data, Download – PDF, or PPT Presentation
Part 4 – Example Responses, Download – PDF, or PPT Presentation
Planning Process, Download – PPT Presentation
This is a reminder that Giving TrailsDay is 12/3/19. Our goal is $5,000. Two very generous donors are matching your donation up to a combined $1,500! But why stop there? Facebook will also match up to $7 million, on a first come first serve basis, so you must make your donation on our BCHA Facebook page at 8:00 a.m. ET, 5:00 a.m. PT on 12/3/19. 100% of your donation comes to BCHA when donated through Facebook and supports our work of keeping trails open for you! Click the above dates to easily add this important date to your calendar.
And watch this fun video of the amazing work we’re doing sent in by Danny Riddle, High Desert BCH, Nevada!
https://drive.google.com/file/
AMAZONSMILE – how to sign up (BCHI Foundation)
About AmazonSmile
What is AmazonSmile?
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from over one million organizations to support.
How do I shop at AmazonSmile?
To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.
Which products on AmazonSmile are eligible for charitable donations?
Tens of millions of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription renewals are not currently eligible.
Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile?
Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same.
How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?
On your first visit to AmazonSmile smile.amazon.com, you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
Can I change my charity?
Yes, you can change your charity any time. Your AmazonSmile purchases after the change count towards your newly selected charity. To change your charity, sign in to smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser and simply select “Change your Charity” in “Your Account.”
What charities can I choose from?
You can choose from over one million eligible 501(c)(3) public charitable organizations.
If I represent a charitable organization, how can I learn more about registering my organization for AmazonSmile?
Go to org.amazon.com to learn how to register your organization to receive donations.
How much of my purchase does Amazon donate?
The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges. From time to time, we may offer special, limited time promotions that increase the donation amount on one or more products or services or provide for additional donations to charitable organizations. Special terms and restrictions may apply. Please see the relevant promotion for complete details.
Can I receive a tax deduction for amounts donated from my purchases on AmazonSmile?
Donations are made by the AmazonSmile Foundation and are not tax deductible by you.
How can I learn more about AmazonSmile?
Please see complete AmazonSmile program details.
As Chairman, I want to communicate directly with you about litigation that BCHA and its partners filed last week in Federal District Court in order to protect our ongoing use and enjoyment of national forest trails. BCHA rarely enters into litigation. The last time we did so was in 2006, when the US Forest Service unilaterally, and without seeking public review and comment, proposed a change in its Trail Classification Standards that would have harmed the interests of BCHA and its membership. We ended up settling that lawsuit with the agency and, remarkably, our relationship ended up stronger as a result.
Tahoe National Forest Authorization of Electric Bikes on 132 Miles of Non-Motorized Trails
On October 23rd, 2019, the Western Environmental Law Center (WELC) filed a lawsuit with the Eastern California Federal District Court on behalf of BCHA, BCH California and its Mother Lode Unit, The Wilderness Society and two local organizations over the Tahoe National Forest’s stealth authorization of electric bike (e-Bike) use on 132 miles of non-motorized trails. The authorization happened early this summer and without any opportunity for public review, comment, and environmental analyses. The text of the lawsuit can be found here. For more background on this and the broader e-Bike issue, please refer to the Public Lands Report in BCHA’s Fall 2019 newsletter.
BCHA has never been quick to support litigation. It can result in strained relationships and comes with several potential downsides, including not yielding the result we might want. But in this case, members of our co-plaintiff team were consistently rebuffed by personnel from the Tahoe National Forest when we inquired about this (unannounced) change in policy. In addition, our joint “demand letter” to the Forest Supervisor, which we submitted on September 9, 2019, went unanswered. Given the magnitude of pressure being exerted by e-Bike proponents on federal land management agencies, we felt compelled to take a stand.
Objectives of the Lawsuit
Our primary objectives for filing this lawsuit were to compel the Tahoe National Forest to rescind its approval of e-Bike use on non-motorized trails, close these trails to e-Bike use, and to cease advertising the new system of trails via the forest’s website. If the agency still felt compelled to re-designate trails for e-Bike use, we would insist on a public process where all stakeholders could review and provide formal comment. We further hope the lawsuit will act to place a “freeze” on any national forest that might be poised to authorize e-Bikes on non-motorized trails in the absence of a transparent and public process.
Next Steps
WELC has yet to be notified about which judge the District Court will assign to this case. Importantly, the filing of the lawsuit should not affect your day-to-day interactions with the US Forest Service. If anything, it might serve as a feather in our cap that demonstrates to agency personnel BCHA’s commitment to, and support of, the need for a full public process when decisions are made that affect trail classification standards and trail management objectives. I would be interested to hear from you if, however, you receive any negative feedback from Forest Service personnel regarding the lawsuit. It never hurts to better understand any criticisms leveled at BCHA and our tactics in keeping pack and saddle stock trails open and enjoyable to our membership.
Should you or your chapter receive any inquiries from the press/media about this case, please convey that BCHA’s spokesperson on this issue is Randy Rasmussen, BCHA’s Director for Public Lands & Recreation (WildernessAdvisor@bcha.org). Please refrain from providing your personal opinion to the media, as BCHA wants to ensure our public message remains consistent with that of our fellow co-plaintiffs.
Working Proactively to Address Threats to Our Mission
I hope you’ll agree that by taking this action, BCHA is being proactive on behalf of our membership in order “to perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses (and mules!) in America’s backcountry and wilderness.” I believe this is yet another valuable role that BCHA serves our 31 states and nearly 200 chapters. Moreover, BCHA’s exploration and implementation of this lawsuit was done in close coordination with, and with the unanimous support of, BCH California and its Mother Lode Unit. As Chairman, it’s another example of the incredible value that is realized when all three elements—BCHA national, BCH state, and the local BCH chapter—work in unison to advance the interests of our membership.
Respectfully, Darrell Wallace Chairman
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Key points about electric motorized bikes
America’s backcountry should not be motorized.
E-bikes do have a place on public lands – they should be allowed in places designated for motorized vehicles.
The bicycle industry should not be dictating policy about how our public lands are managed. There is a public procedure for travel management policy on these lands.
As outdoor recreation in general becomes increasingly motorized, trails reserved for non-motorized use become even more vital to the millions who prefer travel by foot, cross country skis, horseback or traditional mountain bikes on our shared public lands.
Motorized bikes will disturb wildlife deeper into their backcountry habitat.
“Non-motorized” means no motors. So allowing any motorized vehicles onto non-motorized trails violates that principle, and it would signal the beginning of the end for non-motorized trails on our wild lands.
Any kind of electric bikes on non-motorized trails would undermine nearly a half century of policy and practices. It would be unmanageable and send federal land agencies down a slippery slope toward further motorization of our trails and backcountry.
The agencies that manage our national lands do not have the resources to monitor or police e-bikes on trails.
Like many other groups that care about trails on our public lands, we strongly oppose any effort to change existing trail management rules or policies and encourage all federal land management agencies to reject any effort to open non-motorized trails to e-bikes or other motorized vehicles.
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Subject: California Groups Sue to Keep Motorized Electric Bikes Off Non-motorized Trails in Tahoe National Forest
We’re a plaintiff here. Our statement is below, which highlights the California partners in the suit. Press statement below, talking points attached as a heads up. Thanks Alison Flint, Michael Carroll et al for the heavy lifting.
Michael Reinemer
Deputy Director, Communications Strategy
1615 M Street N.W. Washington DC 20036
202-429-3949 | cell 703-966-9574
The Wilderness Society | The Wilderness Society Action Fund
California Groups Sue to Keep Motorized Electric Bikes Off Non-motorized Trails in Tahoe National Forest
Dramatic change in trail policy was made without public input
SACRAMENTO, October 23, 2019 – Backcountry trail and forest groups in California joined together in a suit filed today that challenges the U.S. Forest Service decision to allow motorized bikes to operate on non-motorized trails in the Tahoe National Forest.
Plaintiffs in the suit include the Gold Country Trails Council, Backcountry Horsemen of California, Back Country Horsemen of America, the Forest Issues Group and The Wilderness Society. The groups are represented by the Western Environmental Law Center.
Helen Harvey, President, Gold Country Trails Council, Nevada County
“Allowing motorized bicycles on non-motorized trails meant for hikers, backpackers and equestrians poses risks and conflicts for the many visitors who enjoy that type of quiet recreation. It also undermines the trail building and maintenance time and money our volunteers have contributed in the Tahoe National Forest for decades.”
The groups cite several violations of law and policy, including the Travel Management Rule, which confines motorized transportation to certain trails to prevent harm to nature and conflicts with other trail users. Also, the Forest Service did not assess the environmental impacts of its decision, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act, one of the nation’s bedrock conservation laws.
Background
The Tahoe National Forest recently permitted “Class 1” electric mountain bikes on more than 130 miles of trails that had been developed and managed for hiking and other non-motorized uses. The Tahoe already has about 2,500 miles of trails and roads available for motorized uses.
The Tahoe’s decision undermines long-standing travel management laws and policies that help ensure higher quality recreation experiences for both motorized and non-motorized users, prevent avoidable damage to water, wildlife, and other resources, and alleviate public safety concerns and conflicts between users.
Prior to opening non-motorized trails to motorized bicycle use, the Tahoe National Forest should have followed the required travel management planning procedure, which is a public process that includes analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Sometimes called the Magna Carta of conservation law, NEPA requires environmental analysis and public participation in federal decisions that affect public lands.
Earlier this year hundreds of trail advocates and conservation groups sent a joint letter to federal land management officials opposing any effort to allow e-bikes on non-motorized trails. The letter noted that non-motorized trails were created to ensure that the public could find recreational trail opportunities free from the ever-growing motorization and mechanization of our public lands. Millions of public land users including hikers, backpackers, hunters, horse packers, climbers and mountain bikers value non-motorized trails for recreation.
Additional comments from plaintiffs
Randy Hackbarth, President, Back Country Horsemen of California, Mother Lode Unit
“We are disappointed that the rules for using trails in this wonderful natural area were changed behind closed doors without public participation. This is particularly disappointing for our members who are proud of the stewardship and care they bring to the non-motorized trails on public lands. “
Lloyd Erlandson, President, Backcountry Horsemen of California
“This move by the Forest Service would benefit the e-bike industry at the expense of the users that non-motorized trails are supposed to serve. The appeal of quiet recreation and the quality of wildlife habitat in California will suffer unless this decision is reversed.”
Darrell Wallace, Chairman, Back Country Horsemen of America
“This decision sets the stage for motorizing America’s backcountry, which violates the principles and partnerships that we have worked so hard to secure over many years. We believe there is a place for motorized bikes, but non-motorized trails – by definition — are not the right place.”
Susan Jane M. Brown, Staff Attorney, Western Environmental Law Center
“The Forest Service cannot simply disregard its own rules when it comes to allowing electric bikes on non-motorized trails on the Tahoe National Forest. With this lawsuit, we seek to compel the agency to follow those rules.”
Alison Flint, Director, Litigation & Agency Policy, The Wilderness Society
“The Tahoe’s decision violates decades of established laws and policies designed to ensure that decisions about where motorized recreation occurs on our shared public lands are subject to public input and environmental analysis. Motorized bicycles are not exempt from those requirements.”
Contacts:
Randy Rasmussen, Back Country Horsemen of America, WildernessAdvisor@bcha.org, 541-602-0713
Michael Reinemer, Wilderness Society, michael_reinemer@tws.org, 202-429-3949
Alison Flint, Director, Litigation & Agency Policy, The Wilderness Society, Alison_flint@tws.org, 303-802-1404
Sangye Ince-Johannsen, Western Environmental Law Center, sangyeij@westernlaw.org, 541-778-6626
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Electric Bikes Coming to Trails Near You?
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BCHA has been diligently working the past two months on the rapidly-evolving issue of electric bike (e-Bike) use on federal public lands. Please see our two-page fact sheet that describes what BCHA and our partners are doing to prevent e-Bikes from being universally authorized on non-motorized trails within our national parks, national forests and BLM public lands.
As always, if you have concerns regarding this issue, I encourage you to share your concerns in writing with your local land managers and/or elected officials. Given that this issue is heating up, I ask that you please copy BCHA’s Director for Public Lands & Recreation on any such correspondence. His email is: WildernessAdvisor@bcha.org
Sincerely,
Darrell Wallace, Chairman
For more information in the fact sheet click the link below: https://docs.google.com/ |
Many guidebooks, most maps, and the entire www.TrailMeisterwebsite are devoted to a series of squiggly lines. We study those streaks of ink, dream of being on them, and spend an inordinate amount of money to get to and follow them. Those of us that enjoy a life spent out of doors, and especially trail riders, spend a large amount of time on trails. But have we stopped for a moment to appreciate the trail workers who create and maintain the trails beneath us?
I’m not sure how many trail miles I’ve covered over the years. Between day rides, frequent pack trips into wilderness areas, and even a few backpacking excursions over the past decades, I’d venture that the number foots well into the thousands, perhaps even into five digit territory.
Generally those miles have been made with little thought to the origins of the trails. Instead I often think about the upcoming views, the quality of the fishing, and where the next place to water the mules lies in the distance ahead. Despite the time I spend on the trail I rarely consider the hard work and efforts that go into creating the paths that grant us access into these hallowed places. Aren’t trails meant to be unnoticed?
If you believe that your land managers (or trail fairies, take your pick) are able to maintain trails I can tell you about a Gilligan’s Island trip into the Pasayten Wilderness where a 3 hour ride became an 8 hour ordeal of trail clearing.
This past summer I had the opportunity to join groups of concerned riders for work projects across the Pacific Northwest. People from hundreds of miles away loaded their trucks and trailers to join together to clear trail, rebuild equestrian camps, and reconstruct bridges in the Wilderness, with members of Back Country Horsemen of America. READ MORE
Wilderness Work Party Video – Wilderness Work party in the Pasayten Wilderness of Washington with the Back Country Horsemen.
“Squaw Butte Chapter President Ron Fergie presents $500.00 check to the BCHI Foundation President Bill Holt” says BCHI’s Roving Reporter
911, when Cell phones are not an option
On Wednesday August 7, 2019 Lisa was thrown from her horse while on a pack trip with other BCHI members in the Frog Lake area of the Bolder White Cloud Wilderness. Many of the members on this trip had attended one or more Wilderness First Aid training opportunities and their training kicked it. It was quickly determined that Lisa had suffered a major trauma with possible injury to her head, neck, back and pelvic regions. It was obvious that advance medical treatment was called for and air evacuation was her best option.
Accident > inReach[SOS] > GEOS Response Center > Idaho State Comm’s > Life Flight dispatch > Advanced medical help arrives
All,
After extensive research I have decided not to commit to clearing the trails from Redfish lake to Spangle Lake for Idaho Business for the Outdoors the end of July first part of August.
I do not feel we have time or manpower to guarantee we could accomplish the work without checking the trails out before hand. FS said you can not access the area until after July 15th and there are often avalanches across the trail, plus no grazing is allowed for the entire length of the trails that they want cleared. There is no way to know if it would take two days to clear the 20 miles of trail or two weeks or more and I did not feel comfortable making a commitment that we could not fulfill.
Thanks to everyone that give me information and contacts as well as a few of you willing to help clear the trails.
Thanks, Rod Parks BCHI Chairman
TAKE ACTION
Two Important Public Lands Funding Bills
To: All BCHA Members,
There are two significant public lands-related funding opportunities currently before the U.S. Senate that would benefits trails and recreational access for everyone. Please read the background on these bills and please weigh in with calls directly to your senators.
Restore Our Parks Act (Senate Bill 500)
S. 500, introduced in mid-February, would bring new funding to address the deferred maintenance backlog throughout the National Park System. The Senate has yet to hold a hearing on the bill. However, last week the House of Representatives held a “mark up” of a similar bill (H.R. 1225), which currently includes all Department of Interior land management agencies in addition to the National Park Service (e.g., U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management).
BCHA is working with a broad coalition that seeks to include also the Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service, and its deferred maintenance backlog, among both bills. But we need your help. During last week’s mark up of H.R. 1225, Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) received the commitment of Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Ranking Member Rob Bishop (R-UT) to work with him on ways to include the Forest Service prior to any floor vote in the House.
Your calls to U.S. senators are needed. Ask them to:
“Please include the Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service among agencies that would benefit from S. 500, the Restore Our Parks Act.”
If you reside in the states of AK, AZ, CO, HI, ID, LA, MA, MI, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OR, TN, UT, VT, WA, WV, WY you have at least one senator who sits on the Senate Natural Resources Committee, listed here. Contact information for all senators can be found here.
Arkansas residents: Please call the office of Congressman Bruce Westerman to thank him for wanting to include the U.S. Forest Service in the Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act (HR 1225). Contact information can be found at the bottom of the Congressman’s home page.
Congress is Shaping Land Agency Budgets for Next Year
In the next few weeks, the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Appropriations is likely to resume work on the Fiscal Year 2020 budget for federal land management agencies. These agencies include the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. The House of Representatives is further along in the development of next year’s budget. Their proposal holds some welcome surprises for public lands, recreation and trails.
Good News for U.S. Forest Service Trails Budget
The House Committee on Appropriations took a novel approach, and asked the Forest Service no longer to assess cost pools (i.e., overhead) on Congress’ approved budget for non-fire agency operations, including facilities, roads and trails. They wanted greater accountability from the agency and asked that the Forest Service create a separate budget line item for cost pools.
For the current Fiscal Year (2019), for example, the Forest Service took 28 percent of the trails budget “off the top” before funds were distributed to regions. For 2020, the House is proposing only 4 percent be taken from the agency’s trails budget. If the Senate adopts the same approach, this would mean that the Forest Service’s overall trails budget could increase by between $5.2 million to $8 million next year.
Take Action!
Calls to members of the Senate Appropriations Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Subcommittee are critical at this time. Ask them to:
“Please adopt the House Appropriations Committee’s recommended budget for non-fire U.S. Forest Service operations, including the elimination of cost pools from its trails budget.
If you reside in the states of AK, CA, FL, KY, MD, MO, MS, MT, NM, OR, RI, VT, you have at least one senator who sits on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies. Committee members are listed here. Contact information for all senators can be found here.
Please call today. We believe that phone calls from constituents are more effective than either letters or emails at this time. Nonetheless, sending a letter as a follow-up to your call could help to reinforce your message.
Hear Back from Your Senator?
If you receive feedback from your senator(s) or their staff, it would be very helpful if you would share their response with BCHA’s director for Public Lands & Recreation. His email address is: WildernessAdvisor@bcha.org
Thank you.
On-line Auction for St. Jude Ride – 2019
Check out our on-line auction items, new for 2019
Items include a new Queen Valley mule saddle, a two-night stay at Holiday Inn Hunter Lodge in McCall, a $100 certificate at Gino’s Italian in Meridan, and more. Bidding open now through June 10, 2019.
Click on this link to go to the Auction Page.
David Benson & Mike Heilman loading a bag at Farley Lake – ITA Pack-Out July 2018
John Hogge, U-of-I Extension Area Educator – Presenter at the Convention
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2332&context=extension_curall
Dear BCHI Members,
I have been asked by the Eagle Rock chapter to encourage you to attend the Saturday, March 23rd Convention.
I have been attending conventions since 2007, and I can tell you they are FUN, EDUCATIONAL and the food is always GREAT. But watch those auctions, with all the great donations you could home with less $green$ (all I can say is thank God for plastic!). And speaking of donations, chapters are asked to bring a high ticket item for the live auction and individuals, if they like, can bring new or used items (like the silver bit I got lats year) for the silent auction. And don’t forget the Photo Contest!!! The 2018 calendar full page photos for August and September were past winners.
Here is the agenda for the day. The morning is filled with business which includes four proposals to vote on. Each chapter gets 8 voting delegates (members in good standing-meaning they’ve paid their dues). The more delegates your chapter has, the more sway you’ll have in the voting. Sometimes it comes down to just that one vote.
Also attached is the registration form. The due date says the 4th, but call Winnie or Aline and they will be more than happy to take your RSVP.
The convention will be held at Shilo Inn and Convention Center
780 Lindsay Blvd. Idaho Falls, Id. 83402, (208) 523-0088 shiloinns.com
Special Discounted Room Rate: $83 nightly (reserve under BCHI name) some times you can’t get the special discount if you use an 800 number.
https://www.shiloinns.com/shilo-inns-idaho-falls?pi=iifid
For the 10th year the south western Idaho chapters of Back Country Horsemen of Idaho, Boise, Squaw Butte and Treasure Valley have manned a BCHI information booth at the Idaho Sportsman show at the Expo Idaho grounds. As in years past our booth was next to Public Land Agencies, the US Forest Service and BLM. Our display generated a lot of interest, with lots of questions about the various pictures and the trail safety posters. We handed out lots of information about BCHI, and the ITA (Idaho Trails Association) who partners with our chapters on wilderness projects. Thank you to the members of the Boise and Treasure Valley chapters who stood booth shifts, and to the Squaw Butte Members, David Benson, Charles & Lorraine Chick, Shannon Schantz, Nancy Smith, Arlynn Hacker, Phil Ryan, Carmen Tyack, Bill Holt, Rob Adams and Bill & Marybeth Conger.
EPSON MFP image
Subject: Fwd: Sawyer Certification Program
Dear Directors and Presidents,
Attached to this email you will find a file containing a completed application to establish a Sawyer Certification Program for Back Country Horsemen of Idaho according to the Forest Service Saw Policy, Forest Service Manual 2358.
Rob Adams of the Squaw Butte Chapter presented this application process at the September Board Meeting based on application information he had received from Oregon and California BCH.
Since the Board meeting, I have spoken with Pete Duncan who is the National Saw Program Manager. Mr. Duncan stated that BCH of California, Oregon and Washington all have approved programs under this policy. He would like to see Back Country Horsemen of Idaho have a Certification Program in place as well. Mr. Duncan said Back Country Horsemen of Idaho must have an approved Sawyer Certification Program in place in order to train and certify ourselves under the USFS Saw Policy.
The short version of the Sawyer Certification Program is as follows:
1. The Forest Service (USFS) will certify “C” Sawyer/evaluators.
2. Then BCHI “C” Sawyer/BCHI-Sawyer Package 12-31-2018 will train and certify other BCHI members as either
A or B Sawyers depending on experience and abilities.
3. Eventually, BCHI “C” Sawyer/evaluators will be able to certify new “C” sawyer/evaluators.
4. BCHI Education Chair or his/her designee will enter training records directly into the USFS
data base.
The only change for current “C” sawyer/evaluators that have been conducting classes is their completed evaluation forms would now be submitted to the BCHI Saw Program Coordinator rather than their local FS Districts.
Once approved, this Sawyer Certification Program will cover the entire state of Idaho. Also, since the training records are entered in the national USFS data base, our sawyers can volunteer in any state or USFS Region.
I will be seeking Board approval at the March Board meeting. Please review this with your Chapter members as soon as possible, and contact me with any questions and/or concerns.
Thank you,
Bill Conger, Chairman
Their are a number of excellent videos that are worth your time watching. LINK
Posted by Marybeth Conger
Spreadsheet is available – Contact Rob Adams
Click on Sheet to see larger View
Our Annual Meeting Idaho Horse Council Meeting Saturday, November 17, 2018
Les Schwab Corral, (Ford Idaho Horse Park Restaurant)
16260 Idaho Center Blvd, Nampa, ID 83687
November 17, 2018
7:30 AM Breakfast
8:00 Registration Desk Opens
8:30 Welcome Charlene Cooper – Idaho Horse Council
9:00 Cody Burlile –Idaho State Brand Inspector
9:30 Bill Conger President – Back Country Horsemen of Idaho
10:00 Q & A for Trails in Idaho
10:30 Open Discussion on Trails
10:45 Break
11:15 Dixie Christensen – Idaho Horse Council Youth Fund
11:30 Lunch
1:00 Steve Taylor Board of Directors Responsibilities – Presentation
1:30 Committee Report
Committee Reports:
Finance–Audit Report Diana Wadsworth
Animal Welfare-
Idaho Horse Census – No Report
Idaho Horse Expo
Legislation
Promotion & Membership
Racing
Scholarship Program
Trails & Urban Land Use
Wild Horse
Youth Activities
Historic Racing Youth
Call to Order Annual Business Meeting and Election of Officers
Roll Call Directors – Approval of Minutes- Report of Treasurer
Unfinished Business – New Business – Election of Board Members
Closing of Business Meeting
6:30 – 7:00 No Host Bar and Banquet Dinner
After Dinner Speaker Miss Teen Rodeo Idaho Kylee Whitting 2019
After Dinner Speaker Pete Ritter Ridges to River
IHC 11-17-2018 report Posted by Marybeth Conger
September 2018 National Director Report
respectfully submitted by Marybeth Conger, BCHI National Director
It was indeed an honor to represent the State of Idaho at the National Board meeting on April 23-25 in Spokane, Washington. Next year the meeting is in North Carolina. Hope you find this report informative. I am always available to answer questions or hear your concerns. 208-369-0769 or mbconger1@gmail.com
Some meeting highlights include:
1. memorial for lost members
2. acceptance of all agendas, letters, and minutes
3. Wisconsin was voted in as our newest state
4. eleven committees reported
5. a balanced budget was presented and approved
6. resolution to add a youth membership category narrowly passed. Keep in mind, each state can decide to add one or not because BCH is a downward up organization. The state of Idaho voted against this resolution citing liability concerns and question of overreaching
7. BCHA foundation had grant monies to help fund chapter and/or state activities. For more details visit www.bcha.org/blog/2017/12/06/bcha-education-foundation-grants
READ MORE:September 2018 National Director Report
September 22, 2018 Education Report- respectfully submitted by Marybeth Conger BCHI Education Chair
Last year in Idaho, a bill was proposed to change Title 25, Animals, Chapter 11, State Brand Board and eliminate equine annual and lifetime brand inspections since fees collected did not cover expenses. Fortunately, this bill was tabled to give an opportunity for industry input. On September 10, I and many others, attended a collaborative industry meeting at the Idaho State Police Headquarters located in Meridian, Idaho. The purpose of this meeting was for discussions regarding different ideas/proposals to make the equine brand inspection program more financially sustainable. Attendees included Cody Burlile State Brand Inspector, Idaho Cattle Association, The Beef Board, Idaho Dairy Bureau, Idaho Farm Bureau, Back Country Horsemen of America, Back Country Horsemen of Idaho, American Quarter horse association, Dressage, Idaho Horse Council and the Idaho Horse Board. It was agreed that the Idaho Horse Council (IHC) would take the lead and write a proposal to reflect a higher fee for equine inspections and submit the IHC board ratified proposal to the other meeting attendees. IHC will work with Cody Burlile to collect information and program insight when drafting the proposal. IHC would need to hire a lobbyist too. As equine owners, we know these inspections legitimize ownership. But let’s not forget that the Idaho Horse Board (IHB) gets $3.00 for each inspection. Funds collected are then given back to Idaho horse industry yearly in the form of grants to further interests in promotion, research, and education. Since 1989, $496,395 in grants have been awarded. If your chapter is looking for monies to further chapter education or promotion and research, make sure to complete and submit your grant application by December 1st. Details can be found at www.idahohorseboard.com. Please help to spread the word and let me know, if any questions about the proposed fee increase or how Idaho Horse Board grants can help BCHI chapters achieve education goals.
READ MORE: 2018-09-22 BOD Education Report
https://www.bcha.org/
Marybeth and Cherokee Lighter
BCHA/BCHI National Director Report, from Marybeth Conger
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent BCHI at the BCHA annual board meeting. Next year the meeting will be in North Carolina.
The annual BCHA board meeting was April 23-25 in Spokane, Washington which is where Bill and I came from. Meeting highlights include a memorial for lost members, acceptance of all agendas, letters, and minutes, Wisconsin was voted as our newest state, there were 11 committee reports, and a budget was approved. I was very impressed to hear that BCHA combined volunteer hours were very close to 13 million and the budget included funds for education.
Erica Fern is a full time employee who handles administration to include data. She presented a brochure and a traveling booth for use at public out reach. Also heard about Your Membership (YM) and how BCHW piloted to have this computer platform handle their membership data. There is some cost if a state chooses to do that.
Ken Carmichael, BCHW then presented a membership expansion program that was impressive. States then divided into 4 regions to discuss issues that were then presented to the committees. Bottom line, feedback was given on how the committees can help us and what the priority of their actions should be. The committees then meet and decided action plans and next steps. It was Interesting to see that all board members are on at least one committee. After all, we need to be part of the solution, right?
There was a guest speaker from Trail master; a Retired Forest Service employee shared his knowledge, and lastly a presentation on the most effective way to contact politicians.
We then passed several governing policy changes, which was informative. Then there were nominations and BCHA leadership is as follows: Freddy Dunn, Chairman, Darrell Wallace, Vice Chair, Sherry Copeland, Treasurer, Non director Executive Committee (EC) member, Mike McGlenn, and two Board members to the EC, Mark Himmell and Ginny Grulke. There was some wording issue in the governing policy that said the past chair would be on the EC for one year. The board voted to have the past chair on the EC for 2018 and that a committee reviews this wording for presentation at the next annual meeting.
Bill even agreed to be the auctioneer at the live auction. He did a great job getting people to spend more than they planned, just ask Mike McGlenn next time you see him.
BCHI Members,
Thank you so much for the opportunity to join you, the State Board of Directors and also members of BCHI at your annual state convention! It was great to meet you all and learn more about the great work the chapters are doing throughout Idaho, as well as share information and answer questions about the Forest Service’s saw policy.
I’m always amazed at the dedication and amount of volunteer and partner work that BCH members give – you are all very much appreciated not only for the time and talent you give, but also for your passion for public lands. Thank you!
Here’s some additional follow-up items for everyone:
• The first is a letter from our Regional Forester here in R1 announcing our new Northern Region Wilderness Skills Institute, that will be occurring in Powell, ID the week of May 21-25; additional information is also in this email if folks scroll below. If folks have an interest, I would recommend signing up soon, per the highlighted link below, as I anticipate the sessions will fill up fast.
• The name of the R4 Saw Program Manager is Brian Burbridge and he can be reached at phone: 801-531-5320 or bburbridge@fs.fed.us. I would recommend that local chapters first contact the primary ranger district staff that they work with to see about saw training opportunities locally; if none are available, the district staff can work with/contact Brian to see about setting something up or seeing where trainings are being offered that folks can attend.
• The R1 Saw Program Manager is Todd Wilson. He is working with local ranger districts directly to set up saw trainings so I would recommend that chapters on the Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce Clearwater NFs work directly with their local unit contacts first or with BCH volunteer sawyers Jerry Lange and Joe Robinson re: setting something up.
o R1 (Northern Region) covers the Idaho Panhandle NF and the Nez Perce Clearwater NF
o R4 (Intermountain Region) covers the Payette, Boise, Salmon Challis, Sawtooth, and Caribou Targee NFs
o It’s important to note that BCH volunteer C level instructor or evaluator sawyers need to coordinate with local FS units to set up cutting areas for training; volunteer sawyers also need a letter of designation from the Regional Saw Program Manager in order to instruct/evaluate. The FS (either FS line officer, Regional Saw Program Manager, or delegated forest/district saw program coordinator) is the “certifying official” who signs the saw card, based on recommendations from the saw evaluators.
• Conservation United (www.conservationinsurance.com or phone (844-559-8336) is the company that, as of a year ago, sounded like they also offered insurance (workers compensation) coverage for volunteer and partner groups using volunteers. They provide insurance coverage for many youth corps groups around the country, including youth corps using veterans engaged in hazardous fuels reduction (i.e., chain saw) work, and they had indicated to me that they also can provide insurance for volunteers. Not sure current status/current policies they offer but folks might want to visit with them to see what they currently offer.
Hope this is helpful for folks. Again, really appreciated being able to share some information on the saw policy and spend some time together. I look forward to seeing you all again soon!
Informal Letter 1 Signature Saw Policy Key Points – Volunteers and Partners
The 2018 BCHI Spring Board Meeting & Convention was hosted by the “Twin Rivers” chapter in Clarkston, WA.( Clarkston is a city in Asotin County, Washington, United States. It is part of the Lewiston metropolitan area, and is located west of Lewiston, Idaho, across the Snake River. The population of Clarkston was 7,229 in 2010 census.) The Board Meeting was held on Friday March 9th and was attended by members, Bill & Marybeth Conger, Phil & Kay Ryan, Lynn & Peggy Garner. Bill Holt attended the BCHI Foundation meeting during the same time.
Rob Adams arrived around 16:30 just at the meeting was breaking up and joined the group with the addition of Christ Holt for happy hour. During the social hour members from the various chapter swapped stories and planned where to get dinner.
Starting sharply at 08:00 Saturday morning, Bill Conger graveled the convention to order and issues talked about at the board meeting were voted on. A guest speaker from district one of the USFS talked about progress being made on the national sawyer program and how both district one and four were doing implementing it. Jeff Halligran from the “Idaho Trails Association” talked about his organization, requested help with packing support, and gave an interesting presentation on cross cut saws.
Lunch was served and the afternoon was spent in various training sessions, and group discussions. While all this was going on, BCHI members were checking out the auction items. After a great dinner of either prime rib or seasoned chicken breast, the winners of the chapter displays and photo contests were announced.
Squaw Butte was awarded second place in the chapter displays (see other displays) and took top honors in the photo contest.
Laurie Bryan took both first and second prizes for her photo’s of Janelle Weeks & Shelly Duff.
David Benson’s mule picture took a first place in the animal division and Rob Adams picture of Payette sticking his tongue out won third prize.
The auction followed, with lively bidding that was somewhat hampered by the high noise level in the room. Some great items were taken home by members and the coffers of the foundation were expanded.
Guides, outfitters, Public land agencies, non-profits and sportsmen of all stripes converge here for a gear-filled good time. With tips on fishing, hunting, elk calling, and more, there’s plenty to do for those who chase the call of the wild. There’s even stuff for the kids with an archery shoot, live trout pond, and other fun things to hunt out.
For the four days of the Idaho Sportsman show, members from three BCHI Chapters and members of the Idaho Trail Association manned a booth on the east end of row “D” next to the US Forest Service Booth at Expo Idaho (fair grounds). These trail ambassadors handed out information about volunteer trail work and their organizations and talked to many of the shows visitors.
It was also a good time to hang out with other chapter members and talk about the upcoming year. Members of BCHI who participated: Janelle Weeks, Lisa Krogh, Jim & Bonnie Fox, Gary & Ann Hale, Dan Pryse, Lynn & Peggy Garver, Carmen Tyack, Bill and Marybeth Conger, Nancy Smith, Shannon Schantz, Gary Towle, Donnie & Erin Thornugh, Paul & Jill George, David Benson, Phil & Kay Ryan, Joe Williams, Janine Townsend, Bill Holt, Dick Peterson and Rob Adams. Bryan DuFosse coordinated the ITA members who worked the booth.
